Simple clear advice in plain English

Txt spk could improve children's literacy

Research finds texting could be gr8 4 kids

  • Andrea-Marie Vassou
  • News
  • Web
  • 26/02/2009
Texting
computeractive/video/triedandtested/samsung-armani-phone

Research has found that sending text messages could improve children's literacy.

A study carried out by researchers at Coventry University suggests that using text message language could also contribute to reading development.

The researchers looked at a group of 55 girls and 33 boys aged between 10 and 12 years old. Each child was given 10 scenarios and asked to write out each one using text speak.

An example scenario stated:“You’ve just seen your friend riding in his or her Dad’s brand new car and it’s brilliant. You’d love to have a ride in it because it's a really sporty, fast one and you love cars. Your friend’s Dad is pretty good natured and very proud of his car.”

Researchers looked at the text messages and split them into categories, noting any contractions, acronyms, symbols and non-conventional spellings. They then compared the use of these text messaging tricks to each child’s reading ability.

The results showed that "use of textisms is not only positively associated with word reading ability, but it may be contributing to reading development".

Pre-teens have been the fastest growing market for mobile phone companies. In its Media Literacy Audit last year, regulator Ofcom found that half of British eight to 11 year olds owned a mobile phone.

Article tags

Reader Comments

   

Add your comment

All fields must be completed. Your email address will not be displayed or used to send marketing messages.

All messages will be checked by moderators before appearing on the site.

See our Privacy Policy for more information.

Related articles

NSPCC to adopt new technology

Childline to offer text and instant messaging services from 2010

Samsung launches phone for young children

Phone has safety and blocking features

Money - pound coins

How to sell unwanted goods online

If you're thinking of selling unwanted items online, it's easier than you think. Our expert sales tips will help you towards making a tidy sum from unwanted goods

Question & Answer

Q.Why are some of the keys on my keyboard doing strange...

> Read the answer

Q.Is my phone’s Bluetooth any use?

> Read the answer

Q.Can I switch boot drives so that I can work on older...

> Read the answer

Best deals on the web

img

Apple iMac 21.5" (MC309)

£926.40- Buy it now

img

Dell Inspiron 620 ST Intel Core i3-2100 3.10GHz / 3GB / 500GB / DVDRW / Win 7 Home Premium

£329.00- Buy it now

img

ZooStorm 7877-1023

£386.38- Buy it now

Latest issue & subscription deals

Poll

Are you concerned about viruses that target mobile phones?

Jargon Buster

Computing terms explained in plain English

CAD

Computer Aided Design. Software used to create 3D models.

Great shopping deals from Computeractive